March 13, 2008 - NiteLites Franchise Systems, the Landscape Lighting Professionals, was recognized by the Franchise Times as one of the fastest growing franchise organizations. The Franchise Times “Fast 55”, produced for 5 consecutive years, lists the 55 fastest growing franchise organizations using two criteria. The first is that only brands that have been franchising for five years or less are considered; the second is that the brands must show positive unit growth each year. NiteLites, which began franchising in 2004, is ranked 7th on the Fast 55 list with an average unit growth of 932 %. For a complete list of all 55 franchises represented in the Fast 55, go online to www.franchisetimes.com.

This dramatic growth, according to Mr. Thomas Frederick, President and CEO of NiteLites Franchise Systems, Inc., “is due to a combination of several critical market factors.” Probably the greatest external influence is the trend called “cocooning, which is the tendency for people to spend more time in and around their homes. Because people are spending more time at home they are willing to invest in amenities that increase their enjoyment at home. Homeowners are looking to add to their living space, improve their lifestyle, and increase their resale value.” One of the most visible amenities that a homeowner can invest in is architectural and landscape lighting. Outdoor lighting is a high impact way to “create, remodel, and renovate a homeowner’s property.” Mr. Frederick added “We have tremendous growth ahead of us due to the growing demand for energy efficient low voltage lighting for commercial and residential projects.”

The business model developed by NiteLites has provided a proven roadmap for the success of its outdoor lighting franchise owners. Training is provided for sales, installation, and maintenance of the product. Consulting services are provided for office setup, personnel hiring and nurturing, and accounting procedures. To maximize communication between the franchise owner and the corporate office, a list of recommended computer hardware and software is provided to each franchise. In addition, each NiteLites outdoor lighting franchise is granted an exclusive geographic territory. According to Mr. Frederick, “A potential franchisee should demand specific components in a franchise – a proven business model, a protected territory, and a track record of success in a growth industry. NiteLites clearly offers each of these elements.”